Lebanon Accuses Israel of Escalating Conflict with “Scorched-Earth Policy”
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy” in the country’s southern regions, intensifying tensions as both nations face renewed military clashes. The accusations come amid reports of Israeli airstrikes and evacuation warnings, with the conflict showing no signs of de-escalation.
Escalation in the South
Salam condemned Israel’s actions, stating that the country is witnessing “a dangerous escalation” and urging an immediate ceasefire. In a televised address, he alleged that Israel’s military operations involve “destroying towns and villages and forcing their inhabitants into exile,” which he argued would not bring security or stability to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed his forces had advanced deeper into Lebanon, citing operations near the Litani River. The Lebanese military reported two soldiers seriously wounded by an Israeli drone near Nabatieh, while Israeli authorities issued evacuation warnings for multiple villages in the south and east of the country.
Hezbollah’s Role and Regional Tensions
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has been actively engaging with Israeli forces. The group claimed to have launched multiple attacks targeting northern Israel and clashed with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Smoke was reported rising from the village of Kfar Tebnit following Israeli airstrikes, according to Anadolu/Getty Images.
The Lebanese health ministry stated that Israeli attacks have killed over 3,371 people since March 2, when Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the broader Middle East conflict. Hezbollah retaliated for the death of Iran’s supreme leader, killed in US-Israeli strikes in February, according to reports.
US-Brokered Talks and Ceasefire Challenges
Despite ongoing military clashes, Lebanon and Israel held security talks in Washington, with plans for further US-brokered negotiations. However, a truce that took effect on April 17 has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. A US statement following the talks emphasized “productive military-to-military discussions” but did not mention the truce.
Salam described the upcoming negotiations as “the least costly path for our country and our people,” though he acknowledged the outcome was “not guaranteed.” The Lebanese military reported over 25 projectiles launched